The organisers of the 2026 Belgian Fashion Awards are inviting entries and encouraging professionals, designers and emerging talents in the Belgian fashion industry to submit their applications by 11 May 2026.
Organised jointly by Knack Weekend, Le Vif Weekend, Flanders District of Creativity, MAD Brussels and Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode (WBDM), the Belgian Fashion Awards serve as the leading national platform dedicated to promoting Belgian fashion, both among industry professionals and the general public.
A platform for visibility and recognition
Since their inception, the Belgian Fashion Awards have recognised established and emerging talents who are shaping Belgium’s fashion ecosystem every year. The initiative is based on a rigorous selection process, combining professional juries, industry votes and, for one category, a public vote.
Categories open for entries
Entries are now open (free of charge) for the following eight professional categories:
- Designer of the Year
- Creative Professional of the Year
- Changemaker of the Year
- Accessory Designer of the Year
- Company of the Year (new category)
- Emerging Talent of the Year (prize of €5,000)
- Model of the Year (new category)
- Love Brand of the Year (public vote, subject to prior selection)
The Most Promising Graduate of the Year and Outstanding Achievement Award categories are not open for entries.
Who can apply?
The call for entries is open to:
- Belgian designers, creators and fashion professionals;
- brands and companies based in Belgium;
- talents who have been active in the professional fashion sector over the past 12 months.
Each applicant must meet the specific criteria for their chosen category, as set out in the official rules.
Timetable
- Applications open: 16 April 2026
- Applications close: 11 May 2026 at 11.59 pm
Selection process and judging: June to September 2026 - Awards ceremony: 17 November 2026
A three-tiered judging panel
The selection process takes place in three stages:
- Internal judging panel (organisers)
- Industry 200, a unique panel of 200 industry professionals
- Official BFA judging panel, comprising Belgian and international experts
The Love Brand of the Year award will be decided by a public vote, following a shortlist of 10 brands.